GEOCHEMICAL PROXIMITY INDICATORS OF MASSIVE SULPHIDE MINERALIZATION IN THE IBERIAN PYRITE BELT AND EAST PONTIC METALLOTECT

Abstract

A comparative lithogeochemical study of mainly surface rocks of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (volcanic sedimentary sequence) and the East Pontic metallotect (volcanic island arc system with few intercalations of marine sediments) has been performed in order to find facies independent proximity indicators of massive sulphide mineralizations. As, Sb, Tl, and Na seem to be the most promising indicator elements for primary hydrothermal exhalation and/or alteration haloes. The size of the lateration haloes largely depends on the permeability of the country rocks and is best defined by ratios such as As/Na, Sb/Na, and Tl/Na.